Braes! Your last speculation is the most mar- what may be called severe upon trees and plants rowless and sapless of the whole hypothic! ranked as tender; yet up to this time we are not DOCTOR.-You never said a truer word Crab-aware that fruit-buds have suffered seriously, but the most trying periods for these are coming. tree! Being confined for a brace of hours to the Mistakes are often made in uncovering trees parlour of a country Inn, lately, I was con- and plants too early-subjecting them to cold, strained, for lack of better nutriment, to solace biting winds, and the blighting influence of warm myself with "The Secretary"-and a more unre- days and cold, frosty nights. We advise a slight deemed cento of trash it was never my misfor-covering to remain until the weather be soft and genial. tune to peruse ! MAJOR.-The writer does not possess a single park of fancy or imagination. He unwinds his transparent plot with all the matter-of-fact stolidity of a farmer scalding the bristles off a pig, or our friend Richard Brown, dispensing a gross of steel pens to one of his clients! LAIRD. Catch me ever putting trust in a newspaper criticism again! But may be after a' the thing may turn oot to be for the best! Wha kens but that the coarse common provided for puir Girzy's gustentation, may have the blessed effect o' scunnering her into a mair nutritious line 'reading? Just on the same principle that bairns are weaned by rubbing the matern il nipple wi' bitter aloes, may my sister, honest woman, be reformed by the perusal o' "The Secretary," and the lave o my thriftless stories! DOCTOR.-At least let us hope for the best! LAIRD.-Sae far as I am concerned, the March number o' the "Art-Journal," abundantly consoles me for the misadventures aforesaid. There is a balmy fragance aboot Landseer's picture o' "Peace," which might hae wiled a smile o' pleasure frae Peter Pindar's Pilgrim, when hirpling alang wi' his pea-blistered *rotters! MAJOR.-Were you at the Philharmonic Consert last night Doctor? DOCTOR.-I was, and very much pleased I was with it, some of the singing was really very good, and the Instrumental department was exseedingly effective. LAIRD-What did they gie ye? DOCTOR.-With every inclination on my part to do full justice to the Society, you must excuse me entering at present into particulars. I gave out a selected tale too many, and the consequence is that our statement must be of the shortest Major, I regret very much that I have been forced to leave out, for want of room, Mr. Clarke's pretty song. The same thing shall not again happen, however, Laird you may have just one page for Facts, and I shall reserve for Mrs. Grundy not more than half that space--and now Gentlemen to work. HINTS FOR THE SEASON. The winter over a great portion of the country has been very changeable, and on the whole Pruning should be completed as soon as possible, so as to be out of the way before transplanting and general garden work comes along. A sure foundation for successful gardening during the coming season, is to be well prepared to execute every operation promptly in its season. Seizing the very first opportunity for planting, and taking time to do it well, is a certain means of success. Roses, flowering shrubs, &c., should be pruned and dressed. Many people suppose that Rose bushes and shrubs when well established may be left to themselves; and the consequence is, they become bushy and twiggy, the growth is feeble and the flowers indifferent. They need frequent prunings, and top dressings of good rich compost about their roots, to give them vigorous growth, of bloom. In pruning both shrubs and Roses, it luxuriant foliage, and a profusion and perfection should not be forgotten that some produce their blossoms on young wood, and some on wood of last year. In the latter case a sufficient quantity of flowering wood must be left, cutting out the older parts. NATIONAL CONSUMPTION OF CROPS. acquainted with the tenacity with which the It seems absolutely astonishing to any one rot English hold fast to the habit of beer drinking, that | the enormous consumption of grain in this worse than useless beverage, should not engage more attention. We have not now at hand the statistics showing the amount of this consumption; but when we reflect on the millions of laborers that daily use large quantities of beer with their meals and otherwise, year in and year out, it bethe manufacture of this drink, must far exceed the present deɔciency in the wheat crops of the British kingdom-a manufacture which, as chemical analysis has shown, nearly destroys all the mere stimulant, increases the strength of the nutriment of the grain, and, converting it to a labourer about as much as a whip increases the strength of a teeble horse. comes self-evident that the amount consumed in Independently of the mere consumption of rain, so great is the injurious results produced by this practice, that many have attributed the degradation of a portion of the English laborers, to the British aristocratic system. We are sorry to see that one of our own countrymen,-the this mistake, and written a book called the "Mud editor of the Michigan Farmer,-has fallen into Cabin," unwisely attacking the most liberal government in Europe, as the cause of this degradation, and almost the only one where knowledge is generally d ffused among all classes so far as they choose to acquire it, and where a mar may say his soul is his own, without endangering his liberty or his head. The editor of the Ohio Cultivator who has spent many years at different periods in Engand, assures us he is satisfied that this debasement and ignorance is to be mainly attributed to the beer soaking system. POSTS HEAVING BY FROST. I have observed in clayey soils that are so heavy and tenacious as to prevent the water from draining off, the frost has more power on fence posts, by drawing them out of the ground. Is there no remedy against the frost, by placing some substance round the post, such as coarse sand, gravel, coal, ashes, or tanner's bark? Placing gravel or coarse sand around the post would obviate the evil, if it were not that the clay about these substances holds water like a tub, and keeps them filled, so that in freezing the difficulty is not removed. If an underdrain were cut directly under the fence, or close at its side, the moisture from the sand and gravel-packing would of course be immediately carried off, and the remedy prove efficient. Tan would effect ready drainage into the ditch, but would not hold a post firmly. Such a drain would pay for itself by its improvement of the adjacent land, besides its beneficial use to the fence. Where this remedy cannot be properly applied, and indeed in all cases whatever, a most effectual help in preventing the upheaval of posts, is to bore a two-inch auger hole near the bottom, and into this drive a pin of durable wood, so that it may project several inches each way, at right angles to the post, and when the earth is rammed about it, will hold the post firmly in the ground, and prevent its rising by frost. OBS RVATIONS ON FASHION AND DRESS. A great number of evening dresses are now in course of preparation. One of those already completed is composed of blue satin, trimmed nearly to the height of the knees with a bouillonne of blue gauze, interspersed with small roses without leaves. Above the bouillonne are two deep flounces of Brussels lace, the upper one as high as the waist. The two flounces, which form a kind of tunic, are gathered up at each side by a long spray of roses. The corsige is pointed in front of the waist, and the sleeves are trimmed with flowers and lace corresponding with these on the skirt. A dress of light-blue moire antique has been made whith three flounces of Honiton lace, lined with dounces of blue crape. The skirt is ornamented on each side by sprays of convolvulus made of blue crape, and mounted in combination with moss and small sliver flowers. Flowers similar to those which ornament the dress are to be worn in hair tached flowers. Other dresses of the same kind are figured with wheatears embroidered in yellow silk. One, having a double jupe, is sprigged with roses. At the edge of the jupes is embroidered a wreath, consisting of detached roses, united by cordons of foliage. Lastly and no less pretty, is a tarletan dress, ornamented with bouquets of fleurs-de-lys; the flower embroi ered in white silk, and the foliage in green of different tints. Many bonnets produced within the last week are composed of French chip, velvet, and blonde, combined in various ways. Others are composed of straw and velvet, the color, of the velvet being lilac, green, or blue. They are mostly trimmed with white feathers shaded in the colour of the velvet. The inside trimming is composed of velvet flowers, with feather foliage and blonde intermingled. Several bonnets which have appeared within these last few day are formed of bouillonnés of blond or tulle, the bouilionnés being separated by bands of fancy straw. This faucy straw may be described as a kind of guipure or straw em broidery, and forms a beautifully light and rich ornament for bonnets. We have seen a bonnet of the description just allxded to trimmed with a single yellow rose, placed on one side, the under trimming consisting of looops of narrow saffroncolour ribbon, rose-buds and bouillonnés of blonde. Dress of green glacée silk: the skirt opens in front on a breadth of white silk and is trimmed with three narrow ruches on each side, the opening crossed by bands of silk forming diamonds. The body opens to the waist, and is trimmed to correspond with the skirt. Sleeves of the pagoda form, slit up on the top of the arm, the edges finished by narrow ruches: large bouillion on sleeves with deep lace ruffle. Bonnet of paille d'Italie trimmed with dark rose colour; cap of blond trimmed with dark roses and tu ts of nar row ribbon. Velvet Caraco bodies are assuming a decided predominance for out of doors costume: we are not surprised at this, considering the opportunity it gives for displaying the grace and beauty of the form. It is a most singular coincidence at the present time that the spirit of Fashion seems to be se lecting all the beauties of costume which prevailed about the commencement of the last war: the tight and slashed sleeves, the close fitting bodies the hair turned back from the forehead, the small cap with lappets, and in materials, thick rich Moire antiques and Brocades. We should not be surprised at still greater development of this style, or of seeing Ladies dressed in the style of sixty years ago. Skirts of dresses for the promenade, when worn with velvet caraco bodies, will be extremely full ad without flounces; Irish poplin and Moire Antique will be the favorite materials for this style of costume. Jacket bodies are still in favour for orning dresses Of the various styles of sleeves; those of the pagoda form are mostly worn open more or less on the front of the An Opera cloak, destined for the same lady who has ordered the dress just described, consists of scarlet gros-de-Tours trimmed with gold ribbon. Several new dresses of embroidered organdy and tarletan have just made their appearance. These dresses are suited to the out door fetes of summer, and to petites siorees, or if trimmed with flowers and ribbon, they are adapted for ball costume. Some dresses of organdy are beautifulle embroidered in coloured silk. One of these Mantles will be worn made in satin, taffetas, dresses has two jupes, each edged with a wreath and other thin si ks; lace continues in favour for of heart ease; the upper ju e the corsage, and trimming satins; the thinner silks have frills of leeves, are sprigged over with heartsease in de- I the same, the edges stamped. arm. CHESS. (To Correspondents.) No. 24. From the "Berlin Schachzeitung.” G. A.-Always avoid playing a piece to a square where at K 3; B at K Kt sq; Kt at Q 4th. it impedes or confines the movement of another. In CAROLUS.-1. Of course a King and Rook against a BLACK.-K at Q R 3rd; Q at K R 2nd; Rs at K Kt 7th and Q 7th; B at K Kt 4th, Ps at K B 2nd, Q B 5th, and Q R 5th. White to play and mate in three moves. WHITE.-K at Q Kt 4th ; R at Q Kt 6th; B st to Q 4th, as you have it in your Solution, White could QB 5th; Ps at K Kt 4th, K B 3rd and Q Kt 2nd, mate next move. Solutions to Problem 5, by E. S., of Hamilton, an Amateur of Guelph, J. H. R., and Esse are correct; all others are wrong. Solutions to Enigmas in our last by Cloverfield, E.S., of Hamilton, J. H. R., Pawn, and Amy are correct. Mr. F. Cayley 1 The prize, a handsome set of ivory "Staunton Chessmen," was therefore gained by Mr. G. Palmer, the winner of a majority of games in each division. It is right to mention that the best player in Toronto (the President of the Toronto Chess Club) and one or two other strong players, were not in the lists. We regret that a second Tournament to which we alluded in our last as being likely to follow up that just termi nated, and which was to have included all the best players here, will not now, in all probability, take place before next winter. Second Game between the same players. (French Opening.) BLACK (DR. B.) 1 P to K 4th. 4 P to QB 3rd. 6 P to Q 4th. 7 B to Q Kt 5th (c) 8 K Kt to his 5th. 9 Q to KR 5th. 10 P takes QB P. 11 B takes Q Kt. 12 R to Q sq (e) 13 R takes R (ch) 14 P to Q Kt 4th. 15 Q Kt to R 3rd. 16 K Kt to R 3rd. 17 B to K 3rd. 18 R to Q sq. 19 Q takes Kt (h) 20 R takes Q. 21 P to K Kt 3rd. 22 K to B sq. 23 Kt to K B 4th. 24 B to Q 2nd. 25 P to KR 4th. 26 Kt takes doubled 27 P takes P. 28 K Kt to his sq. WHITE (MR. P.) P to K 3rd. B to Q 2nd. Kt to K B 6th (ch) (g) P takes P in passing. P. P to K R 5th. R takes P. R to his 8th. (a) When the second player answers the move 1. P to K 4th by advancing his K P one square only, the best reply on the part of the opening player is 2. P to Q 4th. We do not see much use in bringing out the K B as in the text. (b) The position is now one that arises in the Sicilian Opening. (c) We do not quite see the object of this. (d) Highly imprudent. (e) Anticipating White's intention to Castle on the Q side. (f) The Kt is twice left en prise, but dare not be taken. 8 Pakes P. 13 K B to Q 3rd. 26 K to Q B 2nd. 27 K to Kt sq. 28 P takes P. 29 Q to K B 3rd. 33 P to K R 4. 40 (a) With a double object-first, threatening to win at least a P if Black advance the Q P, and secondly, with a view to the capture of the K R P presently. (b) Tempting, but not sound, and certainly impru-41 dent in a match game. (c) Hastily played. If he had taken the QP, he would still have had an excellent game, notwithstanding his inferiority of force. (d) If White takes the Q B, Black of course answers by 18. K Kt to K B 5th, attacking the Q. R and B, and threatening mate. (e) The position is one of great difficulty, but the move in the text is certainly a dangerous one. B to Q R 4th seems to us the only safe move for Black. (f) By this move he loses the game. (g) The only way to preserve his advantage. (h) By checking with his Kt at K 7th he might here have gained the K P, but the exchanging off two pieces would have been fatal to him. Fourth Game between the same players. (Kt's defence in the K. B.'s Game.) WHITE (MR. P.) BLACK (DR. B.) 1 P to K 4th. 2 KB to QB 4th. 8 P to Q 3rd. 4 QB to K 3rd. 5 K Kt to B 3rd. 6 P to KR 3rd. 7Q Kt to B 3rd. 8 B to Q Kt 3rd. 9 K Kt to his 5th. 10 Q B to Q 2nd. 11 Q to K B 3rd. 12 Q to K Kt 3rd. P to K 4th. K Kt to B 3rd. QB to K 3rd. P to Q 4th. (a) P to Q B 3rd. Q Kt to R 3rd, P to Q B 4th. R to K Kt sq. P to Q 5th. B takes Q B. (ch) Q Kt to Q B 4th. (b)B takes B. KR to K sq. P to K Kt 3rd. (c) Q Kt tk's doubled P. (ch) P takes Kt. Q to her R 4th. (e) K to B sq. Q to Q B 4th. (ca) P to K 5th. R takes P. (h) R to K 4th. Q to Q R 4th. R takes R. (ch) K to K Kt. 2. Kt to K B 5th. And by mutual consent, the game was aban doned as drawn. (m) Notes. (a) White regretted afterwards that he did not this moment take off the Q Kt. (b) Well played. (c) He dare not play Q R to Q sq. with a view of presently recovering the P., as in that case Black must have gained an advantage by 19. Q Kt to K B 5th. (d) His only safe move, we believe. (e) Threatening, if an opportunity were allowed him of doing so with safety, to check at Q R 8th. If white now check, and capture the K R., Black then mates in five moves. (g) Offering mate in two moves. (h) Evidently recovering the exchange" immedi ately, if Black take the R., and gaining the advanced F into the bargain. (k) Very well played. This we believe to be the only move by which he can gain any equivalent for the loss of the K B P. as White is forced to exchange Queens before taking the P., and Black thus gets the doubled Poff the Q Kt file. If white take the P at once, the game would result in favour of Black: e. g. 31 32 Kt takes K RP. (ch) R takes P. K to Kt 2nd. (Not Kt takes to K R 8th. (ch) followed by And Black ought to win. Q takes Q. K takes Kt. (2) A remarkable oversight on the part of both players, since Black might here have simply taken the Kt with his K R. gaining it for a lawn. (m) The position is one of those in which the player first attempting to win, very frequently loses. |